Answered by Francis from china | May. 29, 2020 20:00
Now would be the worst time to make such a move. Over the past few months they've completely changed the visa system here. Unless youre married to a Chinese citizen or have business here, you wont be able to get any new visa, even if you are currently in China. Ultimately, even if you somehow magically got a visa to enter China, which is highly unlikely right now, you would only be issued a 90 day visa that needs to be renewed every 90 days.. essentially, you will be living in limbo with no certain future. The only alternative is to apply for a permanent residence permit, which has very costly and strict requirements. Basically, it will require substantial investment in property or business and money in a China bank to cover all costs of living. Also, you will have to live in China with your wife for a certain amount of years to qualify. Money wise, we're talking $500,000. USD base minimum investment.
Even if you were married and have lived in China for 20 years, without the financial investment you cant get a permanent residence. You can only get temporary short term "Q" visas that require you exit China (or as currently with the virus situation, reapply for a new visa) every 90 days.